The expiry of the Semaglutide patent in India has triggered a high-stakes entry of domestic pharma majors into the GLP-1 therapy space, setting the stage for intense price competition and wider patient access. With type 2 diabetes and obesity emerging as major public health challenges, companies are racing to capture a share of what is expected to be a multi-billion-dollar market, while significantly lowering treatment costs for patients.
A New Era Of Affordability In GLP-1 Therapy
The entry of multiple players has dramatically altered the pricing landscape of Semaglutide, a breakthrough molecule for diabetes and weight management. Until recently, high costs limited its adoption, but the arrival of generics is rapidly changing that equation.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has launched its Semaglutide injections under the brands Noveltreat and Sematrinity, offering a broad dosage range for both weight management and diabetes. With weekly therapy costs ranging from ₹750 to ₹2,000, the company is positioning affordability and patient support at the core of its strategy, alongside a holistic care programme to improve adherence.
Sun Pharmaceutical MD Kirti Ganorkar said: “We are offering a comprehensive range, backed by our decades of expertise in manufacturing complex medicines. To further support patients, we are also introducing a holistic patient support programme intended to guide them throughout their treatment journey”.
First-Mover Advantage And Rapid Market Entry
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has taken an early lead with its brand Obeda, claiming to have become the first Indian firm to secure approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for generic Semaglutide. Its Day 1 launch following patent expiry underlines a readiness to scale and address unmet patient needs, while strengthening its presence in critical therapeutic segments.
Dr Reddy’s CEO Erez Israeli said: “Today’s launch marks a significant step in our commitment to expand our portfolio in critical therapeutic areas with differentiated solutions to patients in India and across global markets.”
Expanding Formats And Treatment Flexibility
Torrent Pharmaceuticals has differentiated its offering by introducing both oral and injectable versions, Sembolic and Semalix, making it the first Indian company to provide multiple delivery formats. This dual approach gives physicians greater flexibility in tailoring treatment, particularly for patients with varying levels of disease progression and treatment preferences.
Torrent Pharma CEO, India business, Amal Kelshikar said : “Our entry into the GLP-1 therapy segment reflects Torrent’s commitment to expanding treatment options available to healthcare professionals managing complex metabolic conditions at affordable prices. We are proud to be the first Indian company to offer this treatment across oral and injectable formulations, giving healthcare professionals a holistic choice for treating patients.”
Innovation Meets Cost Efficiency
Zydus Lifesciences is combining innovation with affordability through its reusable multi-dose pen device under brands such as Semaglyn, Mashema, and Altermeta. By allowing multiple dose adjustments from a single pen, the company aims to improve convenience, adherence, and overall cost efficiency, with monthly therapy priced around ₹2,200.
Pushing The Affordability Aspect
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is setting a new benchmark with Glipiq, offering one of the lowest entry points for GLP-1 therapy in India. With weekly treatment starting at just ₹325, its vial-based format is designed to overcome cost barriers that often delay the initiation of advanced diabetes care.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals president and business head, India Formulations, Alok Malik said, “Affordability is one of the biggest barriers to initiating advanced diabetes therapy in India. The vial-based format enables us to offer a more affordable option while supporting clinically guided initiation and flexible dosing.”